Guinea pig maximisation test
The Guinea pig maximisation test (GPMT) is a vertebrate animal test to screen for substances the cause human skin sensitisation (i.e. allergens). It was first proposed by Magnusson and Kligmann in 1969[1] and described in their 1970 book Allergic Contact Dermatitis in the Guinea Pig[2]
The test animals are exposed intradermally to the test material, along with an adjuvant to enhance the immune reaction of the guinea pig. The guinea pigs are then a short while later exposed to a lower concentration of the test material, and their allergic reaction, if any, measured. 15% of guinea pigs must show a reaction for the test to be considered positive.
The test has been largely superseded by the murine local nymph node assay.
References
- ^ Magnusson B. and Kligman A.M. (1969). The identification of contact allergens by animal assay. The guinea pig maximisation test. Journal of Investigative Dermatology., 52, 268.
- ^ Magnusson B. and Kligman A.M. (1970). Allergic Contact Dermatitis in the Guinea Pig. Charles G. Thomas; Springfield, Illinois.